09.05.15. Birdlog

09.05.15. Birdlog

A couple of Little Grebe were present on the Splashing Pool while a wandering male Marsh Harrier was seen from No.6 tank and out to the reed bed at Marsh Farm. Another Marsh Harrier a female was also observed. The summer months see a reduction in the sightings of Little Egret so one over No.3 tank was notable.

Shorebirds came in at various times of the day but the 4 Turnstone that dropped in at No.3 tank were only there for a few minutes. A flock of 23 Dunlin ranging from No’s 3-6 included a larger flock of Ringed Plover. Singles of both Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit should really be in double and triple figures at this time of year.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was a stunning summer Little Stint briefly with the Dunlin flock.

Today was one of those days when you’re multi-layered up with hat, double coat, over trousers. boots and gloves followed by shorts and t-shirt!.  

There were 4 Avocet on No.3 with one bird feigning a wing injury to lure away a trespassing Common Shelduck.

Yellow Wagtail flying over and 2 Wheatear lingering at the back of No.3 tank and a Cuckoo over at and along Brook Furlong Lane are always good to spot on the marsh. A passage of hirundines included many Sand Martin, House Martin and c 300 Common Swift feeding low over the water at the ship canal below Marsh Farm in the morning wind and rain.

Hundreds of Swifts feeding low over a busy Manchester Ship Canal are dislodged as the Anneliese Esseberger sails through the marsh.

Observers: Frank Duff, Ray Scally (image 8), Heather & Findlay Wilde (images 5 & 7), WSM (images 1-4 & 6 & video).

The ‘Snowdrop’ sails through Frodsham Marsh video: https://vimeo.com/128117175

08.05.15. Birdlog

08.05.15. Birdlog

A walk along the Manchester Ship Canal as far as the mitigation pool and back early morning.

A Little Egret was out on Frodsham Score salt marsh where large numbers of Common Shelduck were on the canal bank with Gadwall and Mallard. On the water was a single Great Crested Grebe.

Blackcap and Whitethroat out numbered Chiffchaff and Willow warbler and several Sedge Warbler sang from the reed beds. A party of ten Raven were riding the thermals and were joined by a male Peregrine along with several Common Buzzard and 2 Kestrel in the area.

The mitigation pool held Avocet looking settled with Common Teal, Common Shelduck, Mallard and Gadwall with Lapwing. In the field alongside the Holpool Gutter a Skylark rose up singing and several Yellow Wagtail were noted with a pair nest-building. On the way through to the marsh a litter of 7 Fox cubs were observed  playing outside their earth judging by their size difference it may well be  two different set of cubs in one earth?

Observer and images: Paul Ralston